Susan Greenfield - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Between 1996 and 2010, Greenfield had been published in peer-reviewed journals on the basic brain mechanisms involved in addiction and reward,[18][19][20][21][22][23] i.e. relating to dopamine systems and related neurochemicals.[24][25] She has also investigated the brain mechanisms underlying ADHD[26][27] as well as the impact of environmental enrichment.[28] In press interviews and at public speaking events,[29] Greenfield has expressed concerns that modern technology, and in particular social networking sites and video games,[29] may have a negative impact on child development, leading to conditions including dementia and autism.[30][31][32][29]
In 2011, Greenfield was criticised for linking the increase in internet usage to a rise in autism, with the National Autistic Society describing her statements as "unhelpful speculation". Greenfield responded by saying "I point to the increase in autism and I point to internet use. That's all."[33] Greenfield was later criticised by Dr. Ben Goldacre for failing to publish any research into her theories of technology's impact on child development. Goldacre suggested that "A scientist with enduring concerns about a serious widespread risk would normally set out their concerns clearly, to other scientists, in a scientific paper."[29][34]
In 2010 Greenfield explored the relevance of neuroscience knowledge to education,[35] and in 2011 published You & Me: the Neuroscience of Identity, a book that introduces the concept of "mind change", an umbrella term comparable to climate change, encompassing the diverse issues involved on the impact of the 21st century environment on the brain,[36] and inspired by various sources.[37]
